Super ‘70s and ‘80s: “Superman: The Movie”—Aaron Smolinski (Kal-El as a toddler)

[NOTE: Interview conducted 12/09. Special thanks to Jason Thomas for scanning and sending the images and to Aaron, of course, for providing them in the first place.]

How did you get cast in Superman: The Movie?

They had a big casting call and my aunt called my mom and told her about it. So down we went and waited in line. My brother was chosen first as the six-year-old (never made the cut) and I was the second choice for the part. On set, the first choice did not cooperate and I did, so they used me. They had to dye my hair because I was a blonde.

Was it the first movie you were in?

This was the first movie I was in.

What is your first memory of the whole experience?

I remember most of it, but I think my first memory is getting on the bus at the gas station to go to the location.

What else do you remember about filming your scenes?

I remember a lot. Richard Donner was great. He would wrap me in a blanket between takes, let me talk in his walkie-talkie, show me his trailer. I remember having lunch in the tent, hanging around in the “ship” as they were lighting. I remember my arms being soar from holding them up.

Where were your outdoor scenes shot?

They were filmed in Blackie, Alberta, Canada.

Do you know how many days your shoot was?

It was about eight or nine days.

Do you know what your parents thought about you having to stand under the truck? Were they worried?

I think they were. My mum more than my dad. I think afterwards they were like “what were we thinking letting him stand under a truck?”

Do you remember what the filmmakers and/or your parents explained to you before shooting? Did you understand the story you were a part of?

I don’t remember them really explaining it. I remember just doing what I was told. And was happy to do it.

Do you have any “regular” anecdotes you’ve told friends over the years about filming STM?

Well, [they had to bargain with me] to come out of the capsule. I was shy and didn’t really want to come out naked, so they had to bribe me. They first gave me a snow globe (which I still have). That didn’t work so they asked what I wanted. I said a six-pack of Coke, so out that came. Then I still wasn’t convinced so they asked again. “Juicy Fruit gum,” I said. They obliged and here I came in my full glory.

There is also a blooper where Ma Kent says “He doesn’t have any family” and then I say “Yes I do.” That is why she ended up saying not around here anyway, because she went with it. Every time she said I didn’t have any family, I kept saying [I did]; my mom and dad were there. She went with it but Mr. Ford wasn’t so amused.

Since you were a boy when you filmed STM, did you get any special treatment on set? Or after? Lots of Superman action figures from Warner Bros., or anything like that?

The only special treatment I received was from Richard Donner and the cast and crew. Warner Bros. screwed me and gave me nothing (including residuals). But I am not bitter. In all fairness, Warner Bros. wasn’t involved at that time (at least I don’t think they were).

Have you ever approached them to renegotiate?

No, but may try.

Do you still have any props or other memorabilia (call sheets, correspondence, your contract, etc.) from the shoot?

I still have my contract (or lack thereof), the snow globe, and I am sure my mom has other stuff.

Do you know if your parents were instantly okay with your onscreen nudity? Today, of course, a superhero movie (or most any mainstream movie) would probably not show a naked child. What do you think about the way our cultural sensibility has changed in that regard?

Back then there wasn’t as much cynicism as there is now. They were cautious, but not like people would be today. I mean, I was only three. I think our culture is overly sensitive, but you can never be too careful. Now when it airs on TV they don’t show that part, which I am not sure why I haven’t objected to it. You can go online and see those images or buy the movie, so…? I think if I was five or older, then I would agree, but I was basically a baby. To each his own. I do think that times are very different and we actually have to protect children now. They can’t protect themselves. Not sure if this answers your question. I may respond more to this.

What if any disapproval have you personally heard about the fact that STM showed a boy naked?

The only disapproval I hear now is that they don’t show it anymore. People, fans, say that was a big part of the scene and they think WB is being over protective.

Do you remember hearing what happened to the boy who played the baby in STM?

Lee Quigley, passed away. I never met him.

Do you remember if you liked Superman before you worked on the movie?

I don’t think I really knew much about him.

Did you like him after?

I liked him, but wasn’t obsessed.

Did you see the other movies?

I did see the other movies. They used the same scene for Superman II (which they didn’t pay me for), and then I was in Superman III (kid at the photo booth. The lady who played my mom was my mom). I have seen them all.

Did you read Superman comics?

No.

Did you attend the STM premiere?

NO.

Lots of actors who’ve done superhero movies or shows go on to do voice-overs in superhero cartoons? Have you, or would you?

Haven’t but would love to.

Did you ever correspond with anyone else from the cast of STM at any point?

I did speak with Richard Donner when I moved to LA.

Did you ever meet Christopher Reeve?

I met him during the filming of Superman III. The first thing I remember is shaking his hand and mine disappearing. He had such big hands (at least to an 8-year-old). He would also sit with me and all the extras and crew during lunch, which the other cast members wouldn’t do. He was someone I looked up to. During my acting career, I was always loyal to my “fans” and never turned away from them. I am a firm believer that they are the reason actors can work and get paid for what they do. I think this came from my personality, but also from Christopher Reeve.

Were there ever any cast reunions?

I think so, but I was never invited. I think WB was trying to keep me on the low knowing that they kinda took advantage of me and my family. That’s a story on its own.

When/who else has interviewed you about STM? Were you ever interviewed on TV?

I think I did a radio interview during Superman III. I was never interviewed on TV.

Have any strangers ever recognized you as the young boy from STM?

No…not without knowing that was me.

You’re a father now. How old are your children? (Depending on that answer, have they seen you in STM? What do they think?)

My son is two and he has seen it. He is too young to really have an opinion, but thinks it is neat.

Most of the friends you’ve made in your life must have seen you in STM before you met them. Any funny stories about that?

They all make fun of the naked scene and say, “I hope things have changed…” To that I have a rebuttal…which I will keep to myself.

Did you see Superman Returns? Did you watch Smallville? If yes to either, what do you think?

Thought Superman Returns was better than I thought it would be. I didn’t really watch Smallville.

The producers of Smallville often cast actors associated with past Superman or superhero TV shows. Were you approached?

[Actually], I was up for a part in the pilot—a friend of Clark’s. Other than [that], I never auditioned [nor was I] approached. People told me all the time that I needed to get on it.

What do you do for a living now?

I am still plugging away, writing, acting, and hopefully producing a script I have. But the best job of all is being a husband and father.

* Fairy Spell: How Two Girls Convinced the World That Fairies Are Real (nonfiction picture book about the two girls in WWI England took photos of what they claimed were real fairies); illustrated by Eliza Wheeler; Clarion (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt)

* Thirty Minutes Over Oregon: A Japanese Pilot's World War II Story (nonfiction picture book about the unprecedented accomplishment—and redemption—of the first person to bomb the U.S. mainland from a plane); illustrated by Melissa Iwai; Clarion (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt)

“[N]o library in the world could object to the book’s style and panache. [T]his is one biography that’s going to lure the kids like nothing else. More fun than any children’s biography has any right to be”—Fuse #8 (School Library Journal; four out of five stars)

“Fascinating”—Horn Book

“Sure to become a classic example of the genre”—Families Online

“Wonderful…young readers…will find this…title appealing and thereby ensure that future generations recall the amazing story behind Superman’s creation as well. Wait, did I say ‘recall’? Strike that—make it ‘will be inspired by’ instead. This book is that good”—Firefox News

“[T]ouching... The illustrated section...is upbeat, entertaining, and informative...the [well-crafted] afterword shows the shadow side of the great American dream. ...Nobleman is equally adept at both stories”—Boston Globe

“Surprisingly poignant”—San Francisco Chronicle

“Haunting”—Geek Monthly

“Excellent”—GeekDad (WIRED)

“A-minus”—A.V. Club

“The best and most accurate depiction of their lives in print”—Brad Ricca, documentary filmmaker, Last Son, and later author of Super Boys

“Engrossing...wonderful”—Scripps Howard News Service

“I was completely mesmerized by this book from the first instant I opened it. I loved every page, and every word. Boys of Steel transported me; it made me feel young; it moved me to tears. Honest to God, it did! It caused my black heart to melt. The book is absolutely fantastic, the book is tremendous, the book is a huge achievement”—Robby Reed, DIAL B for BLOG

"Sometimes the most inconsequential episodes in larger stories can turn out to be the most moving, and so it is with Thirty Minutes Over Oregon … a thought-provoking meditation on the power of forgiveness"

—New York Times Book Review

"Engrossing and unexpectedly touching … lovely story of reconciliation"

—Wall Street Journal

"Powerful and poignant...a must-read"

—Kirkus Reviews

"Such a cool story...remarkable... We...need this book right now"

—Fuse #8 (School Library Journal)

"Nobleman knows just the right tone to strike with this story, and he unfolds its events with a storyteller's flair. … There are several lessons here, organically made, and kids who come for the wartime action will be pulled along to the book's ultimately pacific message"

—Horn Book

"An important and breathtaking book"

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"Clearly written...moving... This quiet story is less about war than the toll it takes on those who fight, the possibility of reconciliation, and the value of understanding other cultures. A war story with a heartening conclusion"

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"Respectful and balanced"

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"This is a remarkable story...a story to be remembered, forever. You will be moved"

Praise for "Fairy Spell"

"A rich overview of this bizarre historical controversy… deftly navigates topics like childhood in the early 20th century, the media and the influence of celebrity culture, and the history of photography … a strong nonfiction choice"

—School Library Journal

"With a crisp and engaging style, Nobleman relates this fascinating story… Young readers are bound to be intrigued"

—Horn Book

"Engaging ... A fascinating introduction to one of the greatest hoaxes of all time, deftly pitched to elementary-age children"

—Kirkus Reviews

"Will leave children guessing until the end"

—Publishers Weekly

"A seamless blend of both frolics and facts fuels suspense ... part accidental trickster tale, part unforgettable fairy tale, all true, this will have kids reaching for cameras of their own in no time"

—Booklist

Praise for "Brave Like My Brother"

Honors:

A Junior Library Guild Selection

Other coverage:

"History lovers will find a lot of new information here…Nobleman keeps the suspense tight"—Horn Book

"Always steers clear of melodrama. A good option"—Booklist

"Thoroughly engaging on every account...excels in every regard"—Times Herald (MI)

"A lovely read and a glimpse into the bond between brothers through an exchange of letters. Grab a tissue for the ending"—Lindsey Anderson, Good Reads

"A gentle introduction to WWII although it does pack a bit of an emotional wallop"—Barbara, Good Reads